Kerala, a state in southern India, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. One of the must-visit destinations in Kerala is Munnar, a hill station located in the Western Ghats mountain range.
mountains in Kerala
Kerala, a state in southern India, is a nature lover’s paradise with an abundance of natural beauty, including its mountains. The state is home to the Western Ghats mountain range, which runs along the western coast of India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some of the must-visit mountains in Kerala:
Anamudi
Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats mountain range, standing at an elevation of 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to several endangered species, including the Nilgiri Tahr. Visitors can go on a trek to the peak, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Chembra Peak
Chembra Peak is located in the Wayanad district of Kerala and is known for its heart-shaped lake, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Visitors can go on a trek to the peak, which is situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Meenuliyan Para
Meenuliyan Para is a lesser-known mountain in the Idukki district of Kerala. The mountain is located in the Kallar region and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can go on a trek to the top of the mountain, which is situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level.
Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam is a mountain peak located in the southern part of the Western Ghats mountain range. The peak is located in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and is believed to be the abode of the sage Agastya, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. Visitors can go on a trek to the peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
In conclusion, Kerala is a beautiful state with an abundance of natural beauty, including its mountains. From the highest peak in the Western Ghats to lesser-known mountains, Kerala has something for every nature lover. A trek to these mountains is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the state, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
Kerala Wildlife Itinerary
Kerala Wildlife Tour – Kerala’s exotic natural attractions and wild life can be explored at the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the bird sanctuary in Kumarakom, the very precious Silent Valley and enchanting landscapes of Wayanad. Take this tour through some of the most undisturbed country sides that India has.
Day 1 Cochin – Periyar
Arrive in Cochin and proceed to Periyar by road 120 km / 05 hrs.
Periyar in Thekkady district spans approximately 780 sq. km and is one of the 27 Tiger reserves in India. Herds of elephants, bison, wild bears and a variety of other wildlife are also found in profusion here.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Evening at leisure or visit the Tribal Heritage Museum and tribal village on the periphery of the National Park.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 In Periyar
After breakfast, proceed for a boat ride on Lake Periyar.
Post lunch, visit a spice plantation or take a three-hour guided trek into the forest
Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Note: You may take up a tiger trail between one to three days through the Periyar forest, and the duration of your trip will extend accordingly. You can even opt for a day-long guided hiking and rafting program.
Day 3 Periyar – Kumarakom
Depart early morning for Kumarakom by road, 185 km / 04 hours.
Kumarakom is Kerala’s most visited location, a clutch of islands on Lake Vembanad, and the backdrop of the Booker Prize winning novel, “The God of Small Things”
Check-in at the hotel.
Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Vembanad in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 In Kumarakom
After breakfast, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which spans 14 acres off the banks of Lake Vembanad. Look out for waterfowls, cuckoo, owls, egrets, herons, water ducks, parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers and wood beetle. The Siberian Cranes visit the sanctuary during winter.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Kumarakom – Silent Valley
After breakfast, drive to Mukkali, 23 km from Silent Valley, and approximately 230 km from Kumarakom.
Check into Forest Department Rest House. It is possible to trek all the way into the forest or get up to Sairandhiri by a jeep and trek up the rest of the way.
Silent Valley is at the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with virgin forests that have evolved over the last 50 million years. An undulating landscape cloaked in thick layers of green make the Silent Valley a trekker’s paradise. Rare orchids, plants and animals, including the lion-tailed macaque, wild elephants, Nilgiri langur, butterflies and hundreds of species of other insects thrive on the Kundali Hills.
Day 6 In Silent Valley
Post breakfast, take a guided tour of the Silent Valley through the numerous treks and look out for some of the 26 species of endangered mammals, 120 species of avifauna, 11 species of snakes, 19 species of amphibians, and nine species of lizards in the park. The gigantic Kattualying wild tree is also unique to this forest.
Rest of day at leisure
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Silent Valley – Wayanad
After breakfast, proceed for Wayanad (Kalpetta), 150 km
Wayanad is a highland district with very charming scenery and exciting adventure opportunities like trekking, rock climbing, rafting and bird watching. Its natural attractions include the Chembra Peak, Edakkal Cave, Kuruva Island, Lakkidi, Pookot Lake, Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, Kanthanpara Waterfalls and Soochippara Waterfalls.
Arrive in Kalpetta and check into hotel.
Relax in the afternoon or explore any of the nearby natural attractions – Chembra Peak, Neelimala, Meenmutty falls, Sentinel Rock falls and Banasura Sagar Dam.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 In Wayanad
After breakfast, leave for Kuruva Island on the Kabani River and Pakshipathalam in Mananthamavady.
Post lunch, a visit to Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Overnight at the hotel.